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Westfield FFA Cup squads named for opening night

Eight semi-pro Member Federation clubs, including last year’s Cinderella story and a team from Darwin made up predominantly of tradesman, will take centre stage on the opening match night as the Westfield FFA Cup 2016 Round of 32 kicks off this Wednesday (27 July 2016).

The opening night features the four Member Federation clubs making their third straight appearance in the Round of 32 – Blacktown City, Brisbane Strikers, FNQ Heat and Sydney United 58 FC.

The FOX SPORTS broadcast match will see Hume City, who made it all the way to the semi finalists last year before going down to eventual champions Melbourne Victory, hosting former NSL giant Marconi Stallions at ABD Stadium in Broadmeadows.

Adding further intrigue to this Cup tie is that both clubs have new men at the helm after both parted ways with their respective coaches last week.

Blacktown City will be aiming to progress past the Round of 32 for the first time on their third attempt when they host PlayStation 4 NPL NSW counterparts Sydney United FC in Seven Hills, both sides boasting a host of former Hyundai A-League players.

It will be the third straight year Blacktown City have hosted a Round of 32 match after they were eliminated by Bentleigh Greens and MetroStars in the competition’s first two years, but they face another stern test with Mark Rudan’s Sydney United 58 FC outfit currently well clear on top of the league table.

Westfield FFA Cup action heads to North Queensland for the first time when Newcastle based Edgeworth Eagles make the trip to Cairns to take on FNQ Heat at Barlow Park.

Edgeworth were narrowly beaten by Melbourne City FC last year in their only previous appearance into the Round of 32, while for FNQ Heat it is a welcome home encounter after being drawn away in the past two years.

The remaining match is in the Top End as Rovers Darwin FC, who were only established in 2014, run out on the national stage against 1997 NSL Champions Brisbane Strikers at the Darwin Football Stadium.